The European Parliament approved the allocation of EUR 2.6 billion in 2014-2020 for securing the external borders of the European Union. Over half of the fund’s value will go to Member States applying the Schengen provisions as financial assistance for their national border security programs.

Romania is to receive a financial support of at least EUR 61 million, reports local news agency Mediafax.

“We must increase the security of our external borders. The conflicts and tensions near the Union make this a key objective. We have introduced common criteria for assessing the level of security at the borders, a first in the field. They will allow to harmonize systems and procedures at the borders of the member states,” said Romanian MEP Marian-Jean Marinescu, quoted by Mediafax.

According to him, these funds will help fight border crime and illegal immigration more efficiently.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com